Joann Lobert

JoAnn Helen (Osgar) Lobert, age 86, a resident of Grantsburg, WI passed away with her loved ones by her side on February 10, 2023 at Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center.

JoAnn was born on July 7, 1936 in Minneapolis, MN to both parents from pure Polish ancestry, Michael and Josephine (Wegzyrn) Osgar. She married Chester Lobert in 1963 in Sioux Falls, SD, where they initially met over a love of bowling. They started the family with her first child Diane Marie Lobert (deceased 1995, at 31) followed by William, Annie, and finally their youngest, Charles.

JoAnn held many jobs throughout her lifetime and wasn’t afraid of hard work. Her first job was at Snyder Drugs as a waitress & night manager. She was then hired as a secretary for the next 8 years for Champion Paper. The next few years she worked at Mt. Sinai Hospital and Bnai Emet Synagogue in Minneapolis. Going back to her love of the office, Joann worked at Dun & Bradstreet for the next 5 years.

Her husband and family moved to Balsam Lake, Wisconsin in the countryside, where she assisted with building the house on land they purchased. For the next 17 years, Joann was employed at Kroy Industries in Osceola, WI. After a few more moves, Joann and Chet finally settled in Grantsburg, Wisconsin in 2001. Joann got a job at Parker where she worked for 5 years. She then transitioned to work her final position at Continuing Care Center as a housekeeper; a job she enjoyed because of the residents whom she adored (she knew all of their names & became their friend) and of course her co-workers whom she also loved and had a blast with.

JoAnn enjoyed gardening with tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and radishes. She also loved to plant beautiful multi-colored flowers surrounding every house she lived in. She adored the many dogs she cared for over the years and treated them like her family. She loved cooking, especially making organic apple, berry and rhubarb pies, fresh apple butter, and blackberry jam. She also liked to can cucumbers for delicious pickles fresh from the garden.

JoAnn was raised a believer in Jesus and attended St. Albert the Great Church School. She later converted to Lutheranism and made sure that her children were raised in faith. She sought to follow Jesus and walked out her life with His love, generosity, and sincere kindness.

JoAnn was a people person and would put big smiles on faces everywhere she went. She loved to volunteer anywhere help was needed. She was a lover of entertainment, both music and television. She was particularly fond of music from the Rat Pack and the Bee Gees and was often heard humming a tune. She also loved all the classic musical films from the 1940’s & 50’s. She also enjoyed romantic entertainment such as the Hallmark channel saying it warmed her heart. She was also fond of hosting everything from parties to Farkle and enjoyed having her family and friends over late into the night.

When she walked in a room, you knew it because she lit it up like a Christmas tree! JoAnn never acted her age; she had such a youthful attitude towards life that she was like a woman in her 20’s for her whole life! She was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous friend, mom, sister, auntie, and grandma that anyone could ever wish for. When JoAnn was around there would be instant chatter, joking, and rolling laughter. She always had amazing stories to tell and could keep anyone on the edge of their seats as she shared.

She will be highly missed for her joyous attitude & infectious love for others. If JoAnn had it, she would have gladly given the coat off her back to whoever who needed it. JoAnn’s life impacted so many with grace filled love from her huge heart. She will never be forgotten. Well done faithful servant of Jesus!”

JoAnn is preceded in death by her loving husband, Chester; her parents, Michael and Josephine; and her siblings, Mitchell, Sy, Jenette, Loraine, Richard, and William.

She is survived by her brother, Lenard; sister, Mary Lou; children, Charles (Darla), Annie (Oz) and Bill (Marie); grandchildren, Stephanie (Nick), Joseph, Taylor, Damian, Paul, Lea (John Carlo), Tara, Crystal, Jam, Amber and proud great grandmother of Tarynn, Isabella, Bentley, Keegan, Bradley, Embree Charles, Vera Li, Cora Belle, and Juan Carlo Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM (visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 AM) at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg, WI with Pastor John Addison officiating.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.